The Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust is inviting applications for financial support to connect to the electricity network in the north of Scotland.

The Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust is an independent charitable trust set up in 1998 by Scottish Hydro Electric plc (now SSE plc). The Trust can consider applications for support with the cost of connecting to the electricity network for community groups and individual home owners in the Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) licence area in the north of Scotland. Full details and information on how to apply for support are available on its website at www.shect.org.

Ahead of the next round of applications which closes on Wednesday 27 December 2017, the Trust is looking to fund up to 75% of the cost of connections for successful community projects and will support up to 50% of the cost for individuals who need support to meet the costs of a new domestic connection.

Applications received after this date will be assessed in March, June or September 2018*.

Ron Brown, Trust Chairman said:

"The Trust was set up in 1998 to offer help to those facing challenges connecting to the electricity network in the north of Scotland, particularly in rural or island communities.

"We have been delighted to issue grants to community groups and individual home owners in June and September this year totalling just over £114,000. We are keen to continue this support during our December round, but please do not worry if your application isn't ready by then as the Trust meets quarterly to assess ongoing applications.

"We are encouraging applications from projects that can bring significant benefits to their local communities. Depending on the level of this benefit, we will be able to fund between 50% and 75% of the network connection cost. We would also encourage individual customers facing high costs to apply and we can help support up to 50% of their connection costs."

Applications over the past year have been encouraging, with the Trust recently welcoming another high level of applications.

This year, the Trust is supporting Michaelswood, a Shetland woodland established in 1993 giving free access to the general public to allow people and families to enjoy healthy pursuits and learn about nature and wildlife in the countryside. Michaelswood relies on donations from visitors to finance the many attractions within the wood including a dinosaur trail, a pirate ship, a teddy bear's picnic site and a habitat pond.

Ray and Betty Ferrie from Michaelswood Public Amenity, said:

"We would like to thank the Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust for the offer of a grant to help connect the wood's workshed to the electricity network. Regularly, young people come to the woodland to be involved in various projects, learn new skills and enhance their portfolio of volunteering work.

"Members of our team currently use a small portable generator to undertake repairs to equipment and build new projects to improve the woodland experience so being connected to proper mains power will truly make a huge difference to everyone involved."

Pitmedden Park in Udny, Aberdeenshire is receiving a grant to provide electricity to football training facilities in the local community. The contribution from the Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust forms part of a wider plan to improve the Park.

Trustee, Paul Johnston,from Pitmedden Park, said:

"The Park has operated for several years without any changing facilities which has reduced the opportunity to earn income through lets and is a disadvantage to the many Formartine United Youth Academy teams that use the park to train and play."

"As part of our ongoing commitment to improve the facilities within the Park, we have chosen a site close to the local school and main playing pitch. This contribution to the project will make a big difference to the young people of the community."

The Trust also provided a grant to meet the costs of a new domestic connection in Benbecula with the recipient writing to the Trust to give thanks for the support offered: "I would like to express my appreciation and thanks for the award of a grant for the installation of electricity to our home in Benbecula."

"Installing electricity was a very expensive business and without the grant I would genuinely be unable to afford the cost. It made a big difference. We haven't yet switched on but we are really looking forward to joining the 21st century."

The next round of applications closes on Wednesday 27 December, with further applications welcome after this date with the Trust meeting to consider applications quarterly.

For more information on the Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust, to apply online or to download an application form visit www.shect.org.

* Trustees meet to consider applications four times a year. The closing date for applications to be considered at the next meeting is Wednesday 27 September. Applicants are encouraged to take their time with applications as these can be assessed during future meetings. The closing dates for future applications in 2018 are: Friday 2 March 2018, Friday 18 May 2018 and Friday 7 September 2018.